Is your computer fast? How quickly do you think it can do 100 million arithmetic problems? Do you think it could beat your friend's computer or another one at school? Try this science project to discover an easy way to measure whether or not your computer is a math whiz.
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This is a more challenging first-time programming project. You'll learn how to use JavaScript to create a simple program to analyze one or more paragraphs of text. Your program will count sentences, words and letters, and report the resulting statistics. You'll be able to run your program in your Web browser.
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CompSci_p003

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Time Required

Short (2-5 days)

Prerequisites

An understanding of the material covered in "[# ProjectIdea Name="CompSci_p002" Value="HtmlAnchor" #]"

Passports, identification cards, bus passes, and even some credit cards contain RFID tags. An RFID (radio-frequency identification) tag allows a card to be read by a computer from a short distance away. While this is very useful in everyday life, would you believe you can make music with it? RFID + sampled music sounds + a little crafting = a fun musical instrument that is limited only by your imagination. In this science project, you will make handbells out of paper cups that play real sounds,…
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CompSci_p049

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Time Required

Short (2-5 days)

Prerequisites

Some previous programming experience (preferably in Python), or interest in learning how to write Python code, is preferable. Musical background is also helpful, but not required.

Material Availability

This science project requires an RFID reader and tags. See the Materials list for details.

Cost

Average ($50 - $100)

Safety

The construction steps require use of a craft knife and hot glue. Be careful when using these items and ask an adult if you need assistance.

This is a good first-time programming project. You'll learn how to use JavaScript to create a simple program to alphabetize lists of words. You'll be able to run your program in your Web browser.
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Jpeg, bmp, gif, tiff ... do these just look like words that you and your friends might make up for your own secret language? They are actually just a few of the file formats (which means "types") that you can use to save your favorite photo on your computer. But does it matter which one you use? Try this simple science fair project to find out and you'll never choose the wrong one again!
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Have you ever wished you could create an alarm system to guard your stuff? Or what about throwing a surprise party for someone and automatically playing music and flashing lights when they walk in the door? You can do either of these things using the Science Buddies . The kit includes a motion sensor, which can detect when people move in front of it. Check out the video to see what this simple, but fun, project looks like:
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This project requires use…
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CompSci_p055

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Time Required

Average (6-10 days)

Prerequisites

None

Material Availability

[# Fragment Name="Note.RaspberryPi.Material" Value="Html" #]
Estimated project time includes shipping for the kit. The project itself will take less than one day.

Have you ever played a game that tested the steadiness of your hands? Operation® is a popular board game that requires you to perform "surgery" without bumping a tool against the edges of the game. There are also popular amusement park or carnival games where you try to move a metal loop along a wavy metal wire without letting the two touch. You can build your own version of these games using the Science Buddies . Check out the video to see what this simple, but fun, project looks…
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CompSci_p056

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Time Required

Average (6-10 days)

Prerequisites

None

Material Availability

[# Fragment Name="Note.RaspberryPi.Material" Value="Html" #]
Estimated project time includes shipping for the kit. The project itself will take less than one day.

Did you ever have a favorite toy like an action figure or doll that could light up, make noise, or move? This project will show you how to make your own interactive toy using the Science Buddies . Check out the video to see what this simple, but fun, project looks like. The version you make does not have to be a robot; it can be any shape and have any sound effects you want.
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This project uses a tiny computer called a Raspberry Pi and is fun and easy…
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CompSci_p058

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Time Required

Average (6-10 days)

Prerequisites

None

Material Availability

[# Fragment Name="Note.RaspberryPi.Material" Value="Html" #]
Estimated project time includes shipping for the kit. The project itself will take one or two days.

Lights and music make a great combination! Getting sound and lights to complement each other just right helps set the mood for everything from DJ parties and concerts, to theater shows, the circus, and ballet performances. You can put together your own lights and music show using the Science Buddies . Check out the video to see what this simple, but fun, project looks like:
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This project requires the use of a tiny computer called a Raspberry Pi and…
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CompSci_p053

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Time Required

Average (6-10 days)

Prerequisites

None

Material Availability

[# Fragment Name="Note.RaspberryPi.Material" Value="Html" #]
Estimated project time includes shipping for the kit. The project itself will take less than one day.

When you were little, did you ever make "music" in your kitchen by banging kitchen utensils on pots and pans? What if you could actually take those kitchen implements now, and play them with different sound effects? In this project, you can convert basic kitchen utensils into your own electronic drum set using the Science Buddies . Check out the video to see what this simple, but fun, project looks like:
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This project requires use of a tiny computer…
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CompSci_p054

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Time Required

Average (6-10 days)

Prerequisites

None

Material Availability

[# Fragment Name="Note.RaspberryPi.Material" Value="Html" #]
Estimated project time includes shipping for the kit. The project itself will take less than one day.

You can find this page online at: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/search.shtml?v=solt&pi=CompSci_p021.shtml

You may print and distribute up to 200 copies of this document annually, at no charge, for personal and classroom educational use. When printing this document, you may NOT modify it in any way. For any other use, please contact Science Buddies.